A Week of Masks, Hats, Music and Dance

Published: March 15, 1992

THURSDAY -- The Bal de Tete, popular in the late 40's and early 50's as a theme for society galas, was revived at the Young Friends of The New York Public Library dance at the library at Fifth Avenue and 42d Street. Guests donned hats and headdresses inspired by great explorers. For any who arrived without appropriate gear, Eric Javits, the milliner, was there with 300 hats to lend.

On Park Avenue, the Lighthouse Inc. held its annual benefit fashion sale for the blind at the Seventh Regiment Armory. A preview party gave $50 ticket holders a head start on the racks of designer clothes, men's wear and fur coats. The sale continues through today.

TUESDAY -- The Jewish Museum celebrated Purim with a masked ball at the Waldorf-Astoria. The evening honored Joseph F. Cullman 3d, and featured entertainment by Christopher Mason, the pianist, composer and lyricist. The evening netted $550,000 for the museum.

MONDAY -- The Dance Theater Workshop benefited from performances at the Joyce Theater by four dance companies: the Mark Morris Dance Group, Garth Fagan Dance, LadyGourd Sangoma, and the Doug Elkins Dance Company. After the performance, Barneys New York was the host at a buffet and dance.

At the Plaza Hotel, the Central Park Conservancy benefited from a fund-raising dinner and concert by Chuck Berry. The money will help in the ongoing restoration of Central Park and the programs of the Conservancy.

Photos: Joan and Alan Safir in disguise at the Jewish Museum's Purim masked ball, held at the Waldorf-Astoria. At the Central Park Conservancy dinner, Parks Commissioner Betsy Gotbaum stops to chat with Donna Acquavella and James Niven. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wood Johnson 4th at the Carnegie Hall concert to raise money for the Brazilian rain forests. Valerie Hambas looks at dresses at the Lighthouse sale preview. From left, Doug Elkins, Mark Morris and Garth Fagan after their dance companies performed at the Joyce Theater. At the Bal de Tete for the Library: Mary Trasko and Rolando Niella share a dance. Norah Burden and Hermes Mallea. (Bill Cunningham/The New York Times)